Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Lone Star College System
Associate's Degree
lonestar.eduAnalysis
Lone Star College System graduates enter nursing careers earning nearly $10,000 more than the typical Texas nursing graduate—landing solidly at the 60th percentile statewide while keeping debt exceptionally low at just $15,000. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19, students can realistically pay off their loans in roughly 3-4 months of gross salary, giving them immediate financial flexibility that many four-year nursing programs can't match.
The slight earnings dip from year one to year four ($77,795 to $75,488) deserves attention but doesn't fundamentally change the value equation. Texas nurses often see variable earnings based on shift differentials, overtime availability, and facility staffing needs—factors that can fluctuate year to year. What matters more is that graduates consistently earn well above both state and national medians while carrying minimal debt burden. The program performs especially well when measured nationally, reaching the 85th percentile against all associate nursing programs.
For families concerned about nursing school costs, this represents one of the clearest paths to a stable, well-paying career. Your child graduates with manageable debt, immediate earning power above $75,000, and the flexibility to pursue additional certifications or specializations without being weighed down by loan payments. The community college model delivers here exactly as it should—professional credentials at a fraction of the cost.
Where Lone Star College System Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Lone Star College System graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Star College System | $77,795 | $75,488 | -3% |
| Laredo College | $78,162 | $83,536 | +7% |
| Houston Community College | $66,743 | $81,903 | +23% |
| College of the Mainland | $74,310 | $77,498 | +4% |
| San Jacinto Community College | $71,118 | $75,580 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (64 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lone Star College SystemThe Woodlands | $3,090 | $77,795 | $75,488 | $15,000 | 0.19 |
 The College of Health Care Professions-NorthwestHouston | — | $91,353 | — | $41,659 | 0.46 |
 El Paso Community CollegeEl Paso | $3,274 | $79,996 | $69,562 | $17,500 | 0.22 |
 Texas State Technical CollegeWaco | $7,192 | $79,324 | $75,337 | $24,654 | 0.31 |
 Weatherford CollegeWeatherford | $4,560 | $78,873 | $71,802 | $17,015 | 0.22 |
 Paris Junior CollegeParis | $2,580 | $78,821 | — | $13,975 | 0.18 |
| National Median | — | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Lone Star College System, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 114 graduates with reported earnings and 334 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.